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Despite low wages and uncertain employment, Toastmasters International was
expanding rapidly in the Northwest in the years leading up to World War II. Its program
was a popular alternative to college speech classes, offering ongoing membership and
self-improvement. (The clubs were all male, as women were not admitted until 1973.)
Expansion meant new Districts were being formed so that by 1939 there were six
worldwide. District 2, a huge domain that spanned Oregon, Washington, Idaho, British
Columbia and more, was deemed too large
to be easily governed — who could cover
such a territory? — so District 7 was carved
from its vast expanses.

In 1940 District 7 boasted 12 clubs: nine
in Oregon, one in Washington and two in
Idaho. By June 1941 there were 14. Back
then, when a club chartered it made big
news in its home town and the mayor and
other dignitaries were likely to attend and
congratulate the founders. Soon, due to
the wartime rationing of gasoline, District
officers would have to travel by train to
reach all their far-flung clubs.

We’ve come a long way since then. The boundaries have changed over the years. We’re
still geographically large, serving most of Oregon, far Southwest Washington and part
of northern California. Today we count 176 clubs in District 7 … and growing.

You can read more about our district’s history in this month’s “Buried Treasure” column
by District historian Harvey Schowe and throughout this anniversary year in Voices.

Mark this milestone at your club
This milestone comes only once in our history. Think how you can work our 75th year
into your club’s meetings:

• Hold a throwback 1940 meeting and refer to world events from that year in Table
Topics.
• Give a speech about what Toastmasters will be like 75 years from now in 2090.
• Use the 75th anniversary as a theme for a club open house or special event.

Have another idea that’s worth sharing? Email me at cgd@d7toastmasters.org and tell
me how your club is honoring District 7’s 75th anniversary.

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